A Dwarvish Company (Currently Editing)

Chapter Thirteen

Kili

Fili and I rode side by side all afternoon. Des and Bilbo were in front of us. They are like family. Don't get jealous Kili.

"Hey Fili?" I asked him

"Yeah?"

"Do you think... Des likes Bilbo?" I brought the last part down to a whisper.

"As a brother most definitely. More than that? Not likely. Why do you ask?" His glare went from big brother to deadly real fast.

"No reason, I just wanted to know. They've seem real... clingy."

"They are riding the same horse and it's been a day. If anything Bilbo probably sees her as clinging to us the past week or so."

"Yeah... I suppose you're right..."

Des

Bilbo and I chatted all day. I tried my hardest but I couldn't ignore Kili's intense stare. We started heading up. I could feel the saddle slipping from the horses back. I wrapped my arms around Bilbo and squeezed as tight as I could.

"Don't worry Dessa," Bilbo said comforting me. I love him like a brother.

I heard Kili scoff quietly. I could feel anger boiling up inside of me, but I tried to keep it in. "Thank you Bilbo."

We finally got to the peak of the hill and Thorin stopped us for rest. After Bilbo hopped off he helped me down. "Thanks."

"Course Iredessa." It felt a bit weird to hear that, but also welcoming and comfortable. I followed Bilbo over to an empty spot with my stuff and started setting up.

I saw Fili and Kili walk by and Kili gave Bilbo a death glare that he didn't notice. I sent a pleading look to Fili who nodded and walked over and sat down next to me. I gave him a silent thank you as I watched Kili walk off. We really haven't know each other that long. Why is he so protective?

"Hey Des," Fili said and reached down for my hand.

I tried not to blush, "Hiya Fili."

Bilbo looked down then got up. "Well... see you..." He walked away towards the ponies.

I looked down releasing Fili's hand. "I should've said something. Bilbo is just...protective. His like a big brother and I've never gotten along with any other...guys..."

Fili lifted my chin up and smiled. "You're fine. Nothing was your fault, don't worry."

I nodded, smiled, and took his hand again. I could feel his surprised look but I grinned and rested my head on his shoulder.

~~~~~~

Fili, Kili, and I were siting tucked in a rock smoking and chatting. Kili has eased up a bit since earlier. Fili, however, has been getting more and more close to me. There was a loud shriek that made me jump, but Fili rested a hand on my shoulder to help me relax.

"What was that?" Bilbo asked.

"Orc pack," Kili said.

"Orc pack?" Bilbo whispered.

Fili nodded, "Throat-cutters. There'll be dozens of them out there. The lowlands are crawling with them."

"They strike in the wee small hours, when everyone's asleep. Quick and quiet; no screams, just lots of blood." said Kili.

Bilbo looked away in fright and I shuddered; Fili and Kili looked at each other and begin laughing.

"You think that's funny? You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?" Thorin snapped

"We didn't mean anything by it." Kili said looking at me sincerely

"No, you didn't." Thorin sassed walking to the edge of the cliff. "You know nothing of the world."

"Don't mind him, laddie." Balin started. "Thorin has more cause than most to hate orcs. After the dragon took the Lonely Mountain, King Thror tried to reclaim the ancient dwarf kingdom of Moria. But our enemy had got there first. Moria had been taken by legions of Orcs lead by the most vile of all their race: Azog, the Defiler. The giant Gundabad Orc had sworn to wipe out the line of Durin. He began by beheading the King. Thrain, Thorin's father, was driven mad by grief. He went missing, taken prisoner or killed, we did not know. We were leaderless. Defeat and death were upon us. That is when I saw him: a young dwarf prince facing down the Pale Orc. He stood alone against this terrible foe, his armor rent...wielding nothing but an oaken branch as a shield. Azog, the Defiler, learned that day that the line of Durin would not be so easily broken. Our forces rallied and drove the orcs back. Our enemy had been defeated. But there was no feast, no song, that night, for our dead were beyond the count of grief. We few had survived. Our forces rallied and drove the orcs back. And I thought to myself then, there is one who I could follow. There is one I could call King."

"But the pale orc? What happened to him?" Bilbo asked sitting down.

"He slunk back into the hole whence he came. That filth died of his wounds long ago." Thorin turned to face us.

"Wow..." I whispered. Fili and Kili laughed behind me.

Everyone started talking and laying down to avoid the awkwardness. I sat back against the rock. Fili and Kili did the same on either side. Fili slowly grabbed my hand so Kili wouldn't see and entangled his fingers with mine. I blushed and he laughed. "Well I guess you were right. Adventure does follow Thorin."

"Just wait," Fili tempted.

"It gets better," Kili said while sorting a grin.

They talked for a little while longer but as the noise of the Company died down, they also grew tired. "Well," Des started. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"Night Des," Kili said slipping out from the rock and walking to lay down.

"Goodnight Des," Fili whispered squeezing my hand and then he leaned in and placed a light kiss on my forehead. I knew I was red. I knew I was falling for Fili. I knew I also had feelings for Kili. But I ignored everything I knew and whispered back "Goodnight." Because sleep is better than guy problems.

I walked back over to Bilbo and snuggled to his chest. "Goodnight Bilbo."

"Goodnight Iredessa."

A/N Look guys I actually did editing! Sorry this story has so little imagery.